Jack Kevorkian

This (...) had made me aware for the first time of the well-disguised myth that they and the academic institutions they represent are bastions of a free exchange of ideas. They are -but only of those ideas that don't 'rock the boat', that refrain from challenging hallowed taboos.

I'm not a romantic.

What looks like enjoyment is the sneer of contempt. That's not a smile.

I'm trying to knock the medical profession into accepting its responsibilities, and those responsibilities include assisting their patients with death.

The patient decides when it's best to go.

As a medical doctor, it is my duty to evaluate the situation with as much data as I can gather and as much expertise as I have and as much experience as I have to determine whether or not the wish of the patient is medically justified.

My ultimate aim is to make euthanasia a positive experience.

When history looks back, it will prove what I'll die knowing.

The patient's autonomy always, always should be respected, even if it is absolutely contrary - the decision is contrary to best medical advice and what the physician wants.

I'm for absolute autonomy of the individual, and an adult, competent woman has absolute autonomy. It's her choice.

I will admit, like Socrates and Aristotle and Plato and some other philosophers, that there are instances where the death penalty would seem appropriate.

The American people are sheep. They're comfortable, rich, working. It's like the Romans, they're happy with bread and their spectator sports. The Super Bowl means more to them than any right.

She made the decision that her existence had lost its meaning. And you cannot judge that.